Description
These irresistibly soft maple donut bars are a perfect blend of tender cake-like texture and sweet maple glaze, offering a delightful twist on classic donuts. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast or snack time, these bars combine warm spices with rich maple flavor for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (1g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (1g)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (56g)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (120ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract (2.5ml)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency (15–30ml)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and buttermilk, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain softness.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake the bars for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread or drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Room Temperature Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Refrigeration: Keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; note that the glaze may harden slightly when chilled.
- Freezing: Freeze the bars without the glaze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Apply the glaze only after thawing for best results.
Keywords: maple donut bars, soft donut bars, easy baked donuts, maple glaze, breakfast bars, tender donut bars